Matthews Makes Move to Break Ties with CMS
MATTHEWS, NC — The Mayor of Matthews announced Monday the possibility of breaking ties with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and creating a new school district.
Mayor Jim Taylor announced the Mayoral Task Force on Education that could lead the town to break away from CMS.
Parents say speed it up, ready for Matthews to dump the CMS title and make it’s own district.
“I think it should just be done personally,” said Renee Robinson. “Maybe bring it to a vote, but let’s get it done and over with.”
The task force on education will hold meetings to hear from the public while it evaluates the options the town has to keep residents in one of the five public schools there.
“We’re not saying CMS is a bad system, we’re just saying is too large to accommodate and provide what the local citizens want,” said Mayor Jim Taylor.
Commissioners voted unanimously last week to support neighborhood schools.
That was in response to CMS announcing it could redraw school boundaries, possibly moving kids outside their neighborhoods.
“It’s so big, I think it’s time,” said Mary Ciminelli.
Ciminelli is a former teacher on the task force.
“I taught in neighborhood school, and I think the closeness of the Matthews community will lend itself well to having neighborhood schools, having our children close by,” said Ciminelli. “I think it’s a great experience for the parents and the children.”
Other members include Attorney Landon Dunn, former Davidson County Assistant Superintendent Sandi Lee,
former Matthews Mayor Kress Query, Ballentyne community leader Ray Eschert.
The Mayor says Garnetta Smith, Joanne Campbell and Angie Lee are all parents.
“Other than taxes I don’t know what issues we are going to face, but we will face them as they come along,” said Ciminelli.
Members will calculate how much more Matthews would pay.
Parents like Robinson are ready to move if their kids can’t stay here.
“We will look for other alternatives whether it’s private school a charter school,” said Robinson.
The first task force meeting will be held within the next week.
WCCB Charlotte reached out to CMS for a comment. No board members replied.
